Documentary First

Today we talk about “the next thing”. What will that look like? Financially, distribution wise? Production wise? When is Christian no longer a first time filmmaker? And what in the world is going on in the film industry right now?! It's like the Wild West out there! What’s the ongoing trend for filmmaking and movie studios, film festivals, movie theaters and what does that mean for independent fil...

This is an interview with Mark McClain the author of Joy and Success at Work: Building organizations that don't suck (the life out of people). This will be a tie into our recent business conversations... how do you build a business that will be a blessing to the employees and investors.

Today we’re joined by Emily Mixter, The Girl who Wore Freedom’s Graphic Designer. Emily fills us in on on how she joined the project, why she does volunteer graphic design, branding, and any place graphic design was needed. We talk through Emily’s process, picking color palettes, fonts, and how she makes decisions based on future designs, like for Social Media, Posters, Clothing, etc.

The Business of Documentaries Hunter's back to talk shop, but first Christian gives some sage advice about how life does not stop during the filming of a movie. Hunter shares what he’s learned from working on the film, and film festivals. We discuss distribution plans, ways to monetize your current project, and the significance of surrounding yourself with a supportive team. Check out the job post...

Josh is out! Christian's on pain meds, and Jason is tired. But this week, we made it happen! Christian gives us some great news about some festivals, and then we do things a little differently, as Christian interviews Jason about his journey as a creative.

Christian’s back home, but Josh isn’t! Christian fills us in on some updates from the film festival this last week, and some of the pitfalls encountered. But, it comes with some great news! Then we’re joined by John Scanlon, who’s operating as the entertainment lawyer for The Girl Who Wore Freedom. We hear about his story, how he joined the project, and some of his own films. He advises when to br...

Christian’s off in Utah! For the Red Rock Film Festival, and indeed, the rocks are red. Christian lets us know how the festival is going so far, the differences in the times of COVID, and some of the films that have been shown already. And, did the film get into a new festival? Yes it did! In Montana! In… January. Then we’re joined by a special guest to talk IP lawyer-ing. What is IP? What does an...

WGA Registration! Lawyers! Film Festivals! Utah! My, oh, my, what a podcast. What is the difference between an Entertainment Lawyer and an IP Lawyer? What new festivals are TGWWF being submitted to? Christian digs into the deal from Gravitas, red flags in the deal, and what she’s taking away from it.

LA Femme International Film Festival proves to be a learning experience. Christian learns how new tech can cause issues, why she needs a copyright for her film, and how different festival producers affect the feel of the program. Get 10% off all items at the Girl Who Wore Freedom Store using code: FESTIVAL

Christian gives a summary of all the exciting happenings during the Chagrin Doc Fest. Listen to hear about new awards, press, and distribution deals for "The Girl Who Wore Freedom" movie.

Christian’s in Chagrin Falls Ohio, for a little slice of Chagrin, Chagrin Documentary Film Festival that is. Christian fills us in on the history of the Chagrin Doc fest and then... some awards?! The Lady Filmmakers festival had some good news. We talk about film festival politics, festival boards, festival lobbying, etc.

With Boston behind them, Hunter and Christian return home for a brief pit stop before heading out to Chagrin Falls, OH for the Chagrin Documentary Festival. We hear a report from Boston, learn more about sales agents, get a distribution update and learn what to expect from a Drive-In Festival!

TGWWF is on the road! Look behind the scenes of the journey to our U.S. premiere at the Boston Film Festival. This year, audiences have shrunk, but Christian still gets to experience the live event with her son, Hunter. Jason and Josh finish up the podcast without Christian, discussing upcoming film festivals and reveal a new addition to the team.

Today, we’re getting a huge update about the film and the film festival run! But before we get to the exciting stuff, we have to talk about the business stuff. Hunter has been at the helm of supporting Christian with managing workflows. Christian talks deliverables, the different pieces you have to deliver to a festival or distributor. It involves getting file types, posters, and Blu-ray discs mad...

David Paterson joins the discussion of moments leading up to the much anticipated Official Selection screenings! The USA Premiere of TGWWF is quickly approaching as the Boston Film Festival will host the USA Premiere in less than a week on September 24! The Lady Filmmakers Festival in Los Angeles screens the day after on September 25 with a panel including editor Bill Ebel, and special guests all...

After an update on film festivals, we’re joined by Hunter, the new Head of Business Operations for The Girl Who Wore Freedom . Hunter joined the Army in 2012, serving 4 years in active duty, then transferred to the national guard and recently received a bachelor's degree in business. How did COVID-19 mess up his timelines and plans, and how did he end up working on Christian’s film? Hint: Hunter i...

We begin with exciting film updates, acceptance speeches, & new team members! Then, we’re joined by Nicole Bernardi-Reis: a producer & director known for The Unborn (2009), The Shopping Detective (2007), & Princess Cyd (2017). Nicole emphasizes the importance of setting goals for yourself, the film, & distribution. Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thegirlwhoworefreedom . Want to help...

In this episode, we’re talking about the long-term relationship with a film/filmmaker. David Patterson is back to talk us through what that’s like, and answer some of our questions. But, before we get to all that, we get an update on the film, festival acceptances/rejections, and some unusual reviews! Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thegirlwhoworefreedom . Want to help us make the f...

Our film was accepted into two film festivals & we have another first-time filmmaker to interview! Elise Jaffe is making a feature documentary about using tattoos to reclaim your body after trauma or illness.  Elise takes us on her journey of pre-production & what she’s learned listening to this podcast. Learn more at her website: Big Teeth Productions . Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube....

Our own first-time filmmaker Christian Taylor and Lead Composer Jeff Kurtenacker won awards in film festivals! They fill us in on what it feels like to be selected, nominated, and finally win! Jeff tells us about the emotional journey, particularly when the country hosting the festival is 7 hours ahead of you. Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thegirlwhoworefreedom . Want to help us m...

Today we’re joined by Flo and Jenny all the way from France! We learn how Flo is uniquely gifted to ask Veterans questions because of his genuine care, interest, and respect for them... and his tips apply to any interview you need to do! We'll also hear about the COVID situation in France and Flo and Jenny's very unique love story. Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thegirlwhoworefreed...

Today we get some updates about Film Festivals, talk distribution again, and a very specific film festival acceptance. COVID-19 feels like a huge opportunity to scam filmmakers out of money, time, and dreams. Christian brings up the reputability of film festivals, and David educates us on not being a sucker. Watch this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thegirlwhoworefreedom . Want to help us mak...

Today we’re talking about distribution, what is it, how does it happen, and how should you approach a distribution deal. We talk about what to look out for, why ‘Hollywood math’ doesn’t mean what you think it means, and why distributors need to try to sell the FILMMAKER, not the other way around. Also, gameshows, dancing babies, robbing banks, and a little bit of everything. Watch this on YouTube:...

David Paterson is back with us again. We’re stuck in a weird gray area with film festivals, some canceling, some extending, some going online, so what do we do? When and why do you pull out of film festivals? How does the screener process work, why are some festivals making it impossible to pull your film? ALSO, the film won an award??? Apparently?? But it’s a little weird… let’s talk about it. Wa...

In this episode, we meet The Girl Who Wore Freedom 's Publicist, Morgan Harris. Listen in as he shares the importance of focusing on messaging and building relationships with reporters. What are some elements of a successful campaign and how does it work? What's different in the new normal of COVID-19? Learn more about Morgan's company: https://www.acaciaconsultinggroup.com . Watch this on YouTube...